The top of the table Hurricanes host the Crusaders in Wellington.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw feels their clash against the Crusaders will decided weather they are capable of competing for a championship.
Laidlaw has made four changes to his starting side, rolling out his premier starting front row, while Brayden Iose starts at blindside flanker, and Devon Flanders dropping to the bench which feature a 6-2 split.
“It’s really nice to bring the Crusaders up here and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against last year’s champions,” Laidlaw said.
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“Last week was an amazing occasion, but we can’t wait to get into another Kiwi derby and play at home for our second-last round-robin home match.
“We’re lucky to pick a really cohesive team from the last couple of weeks. We think that gives us our best chance of success this week.”
For the Crusaders, coach Rob Penney has retained Leicester Faingaʻanuku at openside flanker, and he will link up with Ethan Blackadder, who makes his return from a calf injury.
Penney said having Faingaʻanuku in the No 7 jersey gives his side a good balance to the physical side of the game.
“He allows us to probably put a bit more emphasis on our pack and what we’re doing there,” Penney said. “He’s got another opportunity and we’ve got some quality impact off the bench because of it.
Captain David Havili will also celebrate his 150th match for the Crusaders. Will Jordan and Sevu Reece both remain sidelined.
The Crusaders have won six of their last eight Super Rugby matches against the Hurricanes and five of their last six in New Zealand’s capital.
Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Brayden Iose, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Josh Moorby, 15. Callum Harkin.
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Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Siale Lauaki, 18. Tevita Mafileo, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brad Shields, 21. Devan Flanders, 22. Ereatara Enari, 23. Jone Rova.
Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor (VC), 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Antonio Shalfoon, 5. Tahlor Cahill, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 8. Christian Lio‑Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (C), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Dallas McLeod,, 15. Johnny McNicholl.
Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20.Dom Gardiner, 21. Kyle Preston 22. Johnny Lee, 23. Rivez Reihana.
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